Current Session: January 2025
Beginning Dog Training Classes
The Beginner obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to the general public. The normal progression through the classes is Puppy (if age appropriate), Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, Beginner 2, CGC.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
AKC STAR Puppy / Tuesdays @ 10am, 11:15 Am & Thursdays @ 5pm (THURS FULL)
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Tuesdays @ 10AM
Instructor Lisa D'Annibale; Assistant Marlene Barken & Sarah Simpkins 8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks Starts Jan 7 **Puppies 5-9 months old should register for this section** Tuesdays @ 11:15AM Instructor Lisa D'Annibale; Assistant Becky Robinson 8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks Starts Jan 7 **Puppies 5-9 months old should register for this section** |
Thursdays @ 5PM - FULL
Instructor Marian Szebenyi; Assistant Kathy Hughes & Tracy Stokol 8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks Starts Jan 9 **Puppies 3-6 months old should register for this section** |
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies less than 1 year old. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
- Basic manners
- Attention,
- Leash walking
- Handling/grooming
- Sit
- Down
Requirements:
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is necessary.
- Puppies must be 3-6 months of age at the start of the session.
- Puppies must have age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- If students want the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification, they will need to pass the evaluation and attend at least 6 of the classes.
Beginner 1 / Thursdays @ 6:15pm - FULL
Instructor Kathy Hughes; Assistant Gail Steinhart
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 9
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 9
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
- Attention
- Sit
- Down
- Loose leash walking
- Recall
- Wait at a door
- Stay
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is required.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
Beyond Beginner 1 / Wednesdays @ 5:15pm - FULL
Instructor Marty Gold; Assistant Jo Ann Molnar-Kieffer
8 dogs; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 8
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
8 dogs; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 8
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
- Attention/focus
- Wait/ stay
- Recall
- Loose leash walking
- Being calm and comfortable around other dogs and people
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
Beginner 2 / Wednesdays @ 10am
Instructor Janet Gray; Assistant Eglantina Lucio-Belbase & Carol Henderson
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 8
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 8
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
Beyond beginner 2 /Saturdays @ 11am
Instructor Jean Bonasera; Assistant Karen Netherton
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 11
In Beyond Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1 and 2. The class will focus on increasing the 3 D’s, distance, duration and distraction. Emphasis is placed on dogs being able to work alongside other dogs and people. We will begin fading the use of lures. Requirements: Dogs should be able to sit and down on cue and stay in position at the handler’s side for 30 seconds (it’s ok if they need a reminder or two). Handlers should be able to get and hold their dog’s attention in a mildly distracting environment and know when and how to reward.
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 11
In Beyond Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1 and 2. The class will focus on increasing the 3 D’s, distance, duration and distraction. Emphasis is placed on dogs being able to work alongside other dogs and people. We will begin fading the use of lures. Requirements: Dogs should be able to sit and down on cue and stay in position at the handler’s side for 30 seconds (it’s ok if they need a reminder or two). Handlers should be able to get and hold their dog’s attention in a mildly distracting environment and know when and how to reward.
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beginner 2 or been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
Intermediate Classes Open to Members & Non-Members
These classes are open to both members and non-members. Non-members must have successfully completed Beginner Classes through at least Beginner 2 with IDTC.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the registrar listed below.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the registrar listed below.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
FIT Dog 1 & Sport Prep / tuesdays @ 5pm - FULL
Instructor: Becky Robinson, Assistant: Lynne Wilkes
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 14; no class on nights there are IDTC meetings
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
The AKC FIT DOG Level One course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. This class is for any dog that will go on to compete in any sport. Teams will work on foundational skills, practice impulse control and focusing while around other dogs. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Bronze Title.
Skills
Nose Touch / Chin Rest
Tuck Sit
Front Paw Targeting
Offer a Paw
Kick Back Stand
Spin Left/Right
Fold Back Down
Caveletti Poles / Grid Jumping
Pivot /Rear Legs
Ring Etiquette
Distracted recalls
Agility Contact End Behavior
For Members or Non-Members
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 14; no class on nights there are IDTC meetings
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
The AKC FIT DOG Level One course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. This class is for any dog that will go on to compete in any sport. Teams will work on foundational skills, practice impulse control and focusing while around other dogs. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Bronze Title.
Skills
Nose Touch / Chin Rest
Tuck Sit
Front Paw Targeting
Offer a Paw
Kick Back Stand
Spin Left/Right
Fold Back Down
Caveletti Poles / Grid Jumping
Pivot /Rear Legs
Ring Etiquette
Distracted recalls
Agility Contact End Behavior
For Members or Non-Members
Requirements:
- Non-members must have completed Beginner 2 and/or CGC class with IDTC. Member dogs must be working at a comparable level.
- Dogs should understand the training game and be able to focus on tasks during a group class.
- Owners should understand lure-reward based training methods, though capturing, and shaping as training concepts will also be used in class.
- This class is only for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions.
- Dogs will be crated during class and some time will be devoted to reinforcing positive and calm crate behaviors.
Canine Good Citizen / Wednesdays @ 4pm
Instructors: Rue Chagoll & Lisa Mitchell
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 8
Registrar: Marian Szebenyi
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 8
Registrar: Marian Szebenyi
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
Advanced Obedience Classes
The Advanced Obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to members only. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the registrar listed below. If you want to inquire about drop-in availability, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Rally Novice / Tuesdays @ 6:15pm - FULL
Instructor: Claire Yager
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 7; no class on meeting nights
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
Join this class for a fun introduction to the sport of Rally! Teach your dog the skills required to perform AKC rally signs, practice your heeling, learn to read a course map, and put it all together to perform a rally novice course.
Dogs will be on- or off-leash in the ring subject to handler comfort and control. It is recommended to have a crate, place mat, or other station for your dog to rest between runs.
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 7; no class on meeting nights
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
Join this class for a fun introduction to the sport of Rally! Teach your dog the skills required to perform AKC rally signs, practice your heeling, learn to read a course map, and put it all together to perform a rally novice course.
Dogs will be on- or off-leash in the ring subject to handler comfort and control. It is recommended to have a crate, place mat, or other station for your dog to rest between runs.
Requirements:
- Dogs must have completed Beginner 2 or equivalent.
- Handlers must be IDTC members.
Obedience & Rally Skills & Drills / Fridays @ 5pm
Instructor: Claire Yager
6 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 10
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
Join this class for practice and proofing with your obedience or rally dog. Each week, we will have a rally course set up as well as an obedience ring to practice what you need to work on.
Dogs will be on- or off-leash in the ring subject to handler comfort and control. It is recommended to have a crate, place mat, or other station for your dog to rest between runs.
Requirements:
6 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts Jan 10
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
Join this class for practice and proofing with your obedience or rally dog. Each week, we will have a rally course set up as well as an obedience ring to practice what you need to work on.
Dogs will be on- or off-leash in the ring subject to handler comfort and control. It is recommended to have a crate, place mat, or other station for your dog to rest between runs.
Requirements:
- Dogs should be already trained at whatever rally or obedience level you are looking to practice.
- Handlers must be IDTC members.
Agility Classes
Agility classes are open to club members. Classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall unless noted below. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Linda Pacioretty. If you want to inquire about drop-in availability, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
agility 1 / Mondays @ 5:30pm
Instructor: Abby Christman; Assistant Maddie Ulinski
6 teams; 2 hours (includes equipment set up and clean up)
8 weeks; starts January 6
In this class, we will focus on safety and confidence building to create a solid foundation and set dogs up to be successful in their competitive agility careers. Dogs will be introduced to the different types of agility jumps (regular, double, triple, broad, panel), tunnels, table, and start learning 2 on/2 off end behavior on all three contacts (teeter, dog walk, A frame). Jump grids and other activities will be used to teach dogs to find and drive their line to the next obstacle, but sequencing will be kept to a minimum. Handler skills will focus on staying connected with the dog and properly rewarding the dog. Weaves will be mentioned, but not taught as a dedicated weave class is best to make progress.
Dogs are expected to be new to the sport, while handlers may be new or experienced. This class will be off-leash in a secure environment and dogs will be quietly crated when not working. Handlers will help set up and clean up equipment.
Students signing up for this class should plan to commit to both the January and March sessions to reach an intermediate level with the same instructors. Attendance and regular practice are important for success in this class.
Requirements:
Teams must meet both the class AND skill requirements for this class. The class prerequisites help ensure that teams have the necessary group class experience and have been introduced to most, if not all, of the required skills. However, the skills are much more important; Don’t assume that your team is proficient in the required skills because you meet one of the class prerequisite options!
The registrar will check to make sure that teams have the appropriate class prerequisites and students are asked to take a serious look at the skill requirements and be honest in their self-evaluation before registering for this class. The instructor may ask students to drop the class if they are not proficient in the required areas.
Class Prerequisites:
Handlers must be IDTC members and teams must meet ONE of the conditions below. Please use the flowchart to make sure that your team can check off all parts of the option you are selecting.
Skill Requirements:
These skills are necessary to be successful in this class.
6 teams; 2 hours (includes equipment set up and clean up)
8 weeks; starts January 6
In this class, we will focus on safety and confidence building to create a solid foundation and set dogs up to be successful in their competitive agility careers. Dogs will be introduced to the different types of agility jumps (regular, double, triple, broad, panel), tunnels, table, and start learning 2 on/2 off end behavior on all three contacts (teeter, dog walk, A frame). Jump grids and other activities will be used to teach dogs to find and drive their line to the next obstacle, but sequencing will be kept to a minimum. Handler skills will focus on staying connected with the dog and properly rewarding the dog. Weaves will be mentioned, but not taught as a dedicated weave class is best to make progress.
Dogs are expected to be new to the sport, while handlers may be new or experienced. This class will be off-leash in a secure environment and dogs will be quietly crated when not working. Handlers will help set up and clean up equipment.
Students signing up for this class should plan to commit to both the January and March sessions to reach an intermediate level with the same instructors. Attendance and regular practice are important for success in this class.
Requirements:
Teams must meet both the class AND skill requirements for this class. The class prerequisites help ensure that teams have the necessary group class experience and have been introduced to most, if not all, of the required skills. However, the skills are much more important; Don’t assume that your team is proficient in the required skills because you meet one of the class prerequisite options!
The registrar will check to make sure that teams have the appropriate class prerequisites and students are asked to take a serious look at the skill requirements and be honest in their self-evaluation before registering for this class. The instructor may ask students to drop the class if they are not proficient in the required areas.
Class Prerequisites:
Handlers must be IDTC members and teams must meet ONE of the conditions below. Please use the flowchart to make sure that your team can check off all parts of the option you are selecting.
- Option 1: Dog and handler must have successfully completed the IDTC Foundations of Dog Sport Class (offered January 2024, March 2024, and September 2023).
- Option 2: Dog and handler must have successfully completed a Canine Good Citizen class AND passed the CGC test AND successfully completed a Fit Dog 2 class.
- Option 3: Dog and handler must have successfully completed a Canine Good Citizen class AND passed the CGC test AND successfully completed IDTC Fit Dog 1: Foundations of Dog Sport during the November 2024 session.
- Option 4: Dog and handler must have successfully completed a Canine Good Citizen class AND passed the CGC test AND successfully completed IDTC Foundation Agility: Jumping Skills during the November 2024 session.
- Option 5: Need to meet BOTH dog and handler requirements. Handler must have trained another dog to at least an intermediate agility level (CPE Level 3/AKC Open) AND dog must be working at at least a CGC level as evidenced by successfully completing a class and/or passing the CGC test. Additionally, the dog should have experience in a group class or similar setting.
- Option 6: Permission of instructor. If you feel that your team has completed classes and has training equivalent to the above as well as have the skills below, please contact the instructor to discuss in advance of registration.
Skill Requirements:
These skills are necessary to be successful in this class.
- Shaping: Teams need to be familiar with training new skills via shaping.
- Rear end awareness: Dogs must have worked on rear end awareness exercises such as pivot discs, backing up, putting front feet on an object, walking on a narrow plank or stepping through a ladder, and, most importantly, putting back feet on an object and maintaining the position (2o2o).
- Crating: Dogs need to be quietly crated while other dogs are running and handlers are learning.
- Control on- and off- leash: Dogs need to enter and exit the ring leashed and under control; excessive barking, running at gates, jumping on people, or other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
- Recall in an exciting environment: Dogs need to come when called in an exciting environment without interacting with equipment, visiting dogs or people, or excessive sniffing or zooming.
- Ability to work around other dogs: Dogs need to be comfortable and under control if another team is working in the ring (separated by low ring gating) at the same time and need to be calm while other dogs are working. Dogs need to be comfortable enough in this exciting environment to learn new skills off-leash, not to simply exist without causing problems.
- Confidence: Dogs need to be comfortable trying new things, offering behaviors, and not regularly shut down when stressed or confused. Being sensitive is absolutely ok, being unable to recover from a setback to learn is a problem.
- Refocus skills: Teams should have a repertoire of 5 to 10 “easy win” refocus skills to pull from, such as nose touch, spin in a circle, go between legs, paw/high five, jump up/high nose touch, sit, down, sit pretty, etc.
- A dog may be successful in this class with 9a and/or 9b. Ideally dogs will have both skills as we will use both in certain situations to help dogs learn agility skills.
- 9a. Stay: Dogs should have a solid stay, even in an exciting environment, around people and other dogs. This stay may be a sit, down, or stand. Handlers should be able to be precise in the location and direction that the dog is facing in the stay to line them up for obstacles.
- 9b. Able to be restrained by someone else: Dogs should be comfortable with someone (an instructor or other student) restraining them gently by the collar or around the chest.
Intermediate Agility: Handling / sundays @ 12:30pm
Instructor: Tammy Osmeloski; Assistant: Linda Santos
6 teams; 6 weeks
1.5 hours; students should plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early to help set up equipment
Starts Jan 5
This class will continue building on the Agility 1-2 sequence curriculum with a focus on handling skills.
Requirements:
**Students in Tammy's November session Agility 2 class will get preference in this class if they register by 9am.
6 teams; 6 weeks
1.5 hours; students should plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early to help set up equipment
Starts Jan 5
This class will continue building on the Agility 1-2 sequence curriculum with a focus on handling skills.
Requirements:
- Teams must have agility experience equivalent to the IDTC Agility 1-2 goals found here.
**Students in Tammy's November session Agility 2 class will get preference in this class if they register by 9am.
Other Classes, Workshops & Seminars
Sometimes IDTC offers classes for members that don't fit in one of the above categories. Check here for offerings that may include nosework, happy ratters, parkour, fit dog, and more!
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
There are no other workshops or seminars this session.
TBD
Please note that IDTC is unable to accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes. If you are concerned that your dog is aggressive or reactive to people or other dogs, please ask your vet for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist.